The Burnett River is sitting around its peak of 7.4 metres at the Bundaberg (Targo Street) gauge, with levels fluctuating slightly with the tide.
Authorities are closely monitoring the outgoing flow and tidal influence.
The floodwaters are expected to descend to minor levels during Friday and assessments will be required before bridges, roads, electrical connections and critical infrastructure can be safely reopened and residents can return.
Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Mayor Helen Blackburn said emergency crews had worked through the night and thanked the community for following safety advice.
She said the focus would now turn to supporting impacted residents and assessing damage as floodwaters begin to recede over the coming days.
“Crews remain active across the region assisting residents and responding to requests for help,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Several hundred properties are within the projected flood extent and formal impact assessments will commence today.
“This includes planning around when the Burnett River and Tallon bridges can reopen so those impacted can access their homes.
“Our thoughts are with the residents and businesses affected and we will work with emergency services and support agencies to assist the community through the recovery process.”
Mayor Blackburn said evacuation arrangements remained in place for residents who were unable to stay safely in their homes.
“There are currently 197 people sheltering at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct evacuation centre, where they are being supported by Council staff and partner agencies,” she said.
“We encourage anyone who feels unsafe or needs assistance to make their way to the evacuation centre where support is available.”
Emergency services have responded to more than 60 SES requests for assistance since 6 pm last night, with most calls relating to sandbagging and tarp installations.
Mayor Blackburn urged residents to continue monitoring official updates and avoid floodwaters.
“Even though the river is hovering around its peak, floodwaters remain dangerous,” she said.
“If it’s flooded, forget it. Do not attempt to drive, ride or walk through floodwaters.
“Conditions can change quickly and unseen hazards may be present beneath the water.”
Residents are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest information via the Bundaberg Disaster Dashboard, which provides real‑time updates on road closures, warnings and emergency information.
In an emergency, residents should call Triple Zero (000).
For SES assistance for storm or flood damage, residents can contact the SES on 132 500.
Updates will continue to be provided as more information becomes available.
Lets do virtually nothing for 15 years to reduce problems from flooding in both Bundaberg & Hervey Bay. Lots of other cities have flood mitigation in place. Where is the dam rebuild? Where is the flood levy, where is the salt water creek master plan. When is the last time the river was dredged?
The only helpful thing they have done is connect the ring road & that was for a truck bypass not a flood mitigation idea.
Do you understand jim,that even if you dredged the river to a depth of say 1 thousand mtrs,the ocean would still fill it up,it would make no difference to river levels at high or low tides when water is rushiing down from upstream.when the tide comes in and water is rushing towards it,only 1 result,floods.
Sorry Jim,
You build a city here and expect the consequences.
Water will flow where it does and I’m sure dredging the river will not help this much.
Just money for nothing.
Flood mitigation only sends the water elsewhere and I’m pretty sure the dam is sorted although that much water stresses everything.
Put our rates up in line with Hervey Bay. We are richer then Hervey bay we can afford it. This will generate a huge amount of extra rates PA that can be used to pay off a loan to get flood mitigation done & in time potentially other projects.
Yes this means a similar increase this year to last year but it also means no more us being left behind. We can build the flood levy, a new bride & evacuation route to help Bundaberg North, start the salt water creek masterplan & more.